Description
These Classic Gingerbread Cookies are perfectly spiced, beautifully shaped, and deliver that nostalgic holiday flavor in every bite. With a tender-crisp texture and foolproof rolling technique, they’re ideal for decorating with family or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
3½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
⅔ cup unsulphured molasses
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Royal icing for decoration (2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder, 5 tablespoons water)
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to butter mixture. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
4. Gradually add flour mixture in three additions, mixing on low just until combined after each addition.
5. Divide dough into two flat discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut shapes with cookie cutters.
8. Transfer cutouts to prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes for soft cookies or 10-12 minutes for crispy cookies, until edges are set.
10. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before decorating.
Notes
Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months before rolling.
For cleaner cuts, chill cut shapes on baking sheets for 15 minutes before baking.
Store undecorated cookies in airtight containers for up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months.
Cookies with dried royal icing keep for 2 weeks in airtight containers.
Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies.
Fresh spices make a significant flavor difference—replace if older than 6 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Christmas
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: gingerbread cookies, christmas cookies, holiday baking, decorated cookies, molasses cookies